Mark Twain Hall Gets a Redo

Workers remake Mark Twain Residence Hall inside and out.

Mark Twain’s pool was removed in 2012 to make way for expanded dining space.

Story by Dale Smith. Photos by Rob Hill.
Published Nov. 7, 2012

Courtesy of MU Archives c:22/14/1

Mark Twain Hall is getting more than a facelift. The residence hall is getting new terra cotta skin as part of a $21.7 million renovation scheduled for completion in fall 2013. The Chicago‐based University Dormitory Development Inc. built the 400‐bed structure in 1963, and Mizzou bought it in 1986 for $2.7 million. The refurbished building will house 372 students and offer more common space.

In the new‐and‐improved Mark Twain, suite‐style living will continue, and the building will feature better security, two study rooms and a lounge on each floor. The upgrades will meet current building codes for plumbing, electrical and a sprinkler system for fire protection.

Mark Twain’s outdoor pool has been demolished to make room for a larger dining room. Also gone is the riverboat mosaic once located in the lobby. However, planners will honor the building’s eponym with a visual display of the literary Missourian in the lobby and main lounge area.

Remodeled rooms in Mark Twain Hall will be similar to the original design, but new windows, heating and air conditioning systems will make them more efficient.

Renovations to Mark Twain Hall stripped the building to its concrete structure.

A remnant decoration on a wall is all that is left of the original decor.

Heating ducts await installation.

Mark Twain Hall’s original entrance is removed before an addition to the dining room gets under way.